Thursday, 19 February 2015

Beth Mander / Handmade Palace

Immortality, whether actual or merely figurative, has long been craved by mankind. To achieve it, it seems to me, you could do worse than become a potter or ceramicist. After all, what is the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of archaeology? All those ancient Greek and Roman vases surely? For a medium so soft and pliable, clay, in the hands of an artist, has the potential to transform into one of civilisation's most enduring art forms. Ceramic artist, Beth Mander probably doesn't dream of immortality, but she has become a well known face on the Triangle, as a result of her running the Handmade Palace stall at the market every saturday.Things have happened remarkably quickly for Beth, who not so long ago did a City & Guilds course in ceramics, followed by a teaching course (to teach ceramics to adults), as a way of pursuing a new path after a career break spent bringing up her kids. Although living in Croydon, where she was brought up, Beth always gravitated towards the creativity of SE19. Then eighteen months ago, while on the hunt for studio space, she was lucky enough to find a ready-made potter's studio, complete with kilns, at the Gipsy Hill Studios. And once settled in the space, she got straight on experimenting with different techniques and glazes. Her work, such as the ceramic bunting, is light-hearted, colourful and fun. Her first sales outlet was via the Secret Garden, and it was then that her work was spotted by the organisers of the Alma market. About the same time, she got involved with Makerhood, a Lambeth based organisation that supports artists and makers. Being part of the events team, gave her the confidence to take on the running of the Handmade stall, which has since gone from being monthly, to weekly, showcasing the talents of many and varied local creatives. While Beth's own work has developed, circumstances have channelled her increasingly into organising events. After the successful Christmas market, at the Sparrowhawk, other events are in the pipeline.

Bowls with a molten glass glaze

Enamel badges

Beth at work

Left over clay all gets recycled.

Oxide glaze test sheet

On the right is a whimsical model of a certain local landmark made from clay dug from an SE19 garden.

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About The Triangle & Me

The Triangle is a photo journal about a little corner of South London. I am a Photographer specialising in Interiors and Architecture, & I moved to Upper Norwood/Crystal Palace/Gipsy Hill/SE19 (you choose) back in 2006, and saw immediately what a strong community exists here. One of the things that makes the area different, is that unlike most of the towns and villages that make up London, it is not arranged along an endless high street on the way to somewhere else, but instead is centred on the 3 streets which gives the area its "Triangle" soubriquet. As well as its community spirit, the area also possesses a strongly independent streak, which is reflected in its diverse local shops and restaurants, many of which are locally owned and run businesses. Unusually for London, apart from the usual banks and estate agents, you don't find many national chains here. So the aim of this blog is to photograph as many of these businesses on the Triangle, both the premises and the owners or those who run them, to celebrate this rich community.